Federal spending planned for Everglades, Fla. beaches

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's proposed 2010 federal budget boosts spending on efforts to restore the imperiled Everglades and includes money for shoring up beaches.

The $45 million for beach renourishment nationwide marks the largest amount that a president has proposed in more than a decade, and beach advocates were gleeful.

''Very little has ever shown up in a president's budget request,'' said Debbie Flackof the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, which represents coastal cities and counties. ``We're hoping this is recognition of the economic benefit of beaches.''